Cassowary bridge over Bruce Highway—a world first!

The Queensland Government has confirmed that the construction of the world's first cassowary crossing will begin in November.

Set to be built over the Bruce Highway at Smith’s Gap, about 2km south of El Arish, the land bridge is part of a highway upgrade including a new overtaking lane. It will help to connect tracts of World Heritage-listed rainforest in known cassowary habitat.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has been in discussions with the Cassowary Recovery Team on the proposal to get the best advice about placement and design of the cassowary bridge.

According to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, the crossing, along with other management strategies, will help secure the future of the species in the area and drastically reduce dangerous interactions between these iconic birds and vehicles.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2020, weather permitting.

For more information see Smith's Gap overtaking lane project on the Department of Transport and Main Roads' website.

Published: 12th Nov 2019